Part Man. Part Machine. All Cop: The Future of Law Enforcement

• NCJ Number: 230955
• Journal: Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 37 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2010 Pages: 8,10,12,14,16
• Author(s): Ronnie Garrett
• Date Published: May 2010
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

In this article, officers experienced in training and managing special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams provide guidance in selecting and training with SWAT team technologies, certifying SWAT teams, and the benefits of entering competitions with other SWAT teams.

Abstract

The article advises that before buying a new technology, it should be loaned by the manufacturer for testing and evaluation in the context of various types of SWAT operations. Some equipment does not perform as promised by the manufacturer, and a particular technology may not fit into the way a department uses its SWAT team. Some questions that should be answered are how often the team is in a situation where the technology is needed and whether it can be used in a variety of tactical situations. Once equipment is selected and purchased for use by SWAT teams, it should be incorporated in the training of a SWAT team and its members. Team members with special responsibilities that require expertise with particular equipment should received additional training in the use of the equipment required for performing their jobs. Beyond having appropriate, effective, and useful equipment, a Swat team must be selected, designed, and trained according to proven standards for skills and tactics; for example, Rhode Island is one of a handful of States that require tactical teams to meet exacting standards. The Rhode Island Tactical Officers Association mandates that teams be reviewed by three officers from three separate entities in order to attain certification. The reviewing board examines core competencies, equipment, team movements, tactics and decisionmaking, safety policies, and other essential features of SWAT team operations. The article recommends that SWAT teams test and perfect their tactics operations, and skills in formal competitions with other SWAT teams. The benefits of such competitions are outlined.